Summary:
There are three elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in zip code 32168 (New Smyrna Beach, FL), all part of the Volusia County School District, offering a range of academic environments from a top-tier performer to a small, affluent academy with inconsistent results.
Chisholm Elementary School is the standout academic leader in the area, consistently ranking in the top 15% of Florida elementary schools (86th percentile) and earning a 4-star rating for three consecutive years. Its test scores are dramatically above district and state averages—for example, 83% of 4th graders were proficient in ELA compared to just 58% district-wide. This success is achieved despite a moderate poverty rate (50% free/reduced lunch) and is strongly linked to its low chronic absenteeism rate of 22.1%, the best in the zip code. In contrast, Samsula Academy presents a paradox: it has the wealthiest student body (only 6.62% free/reduced lunch) and the highest per-student spending ($12,145), yet its performance has been volatile, dropping from a 4-star to a 2-star school in one year. It also has the highest student-teacher ratio (21.5:1) and struggles in 5th-grade science, where only 50% of students are proficient.
Read-Pattillo Elementary School serves as the solid middle-ground option, with a moderate enrollment of 369 and a 55.83% free/reduced lunch rate. It ranks in the 60th percentile (3-star) and performs on par with or slightly above district averages. Notably, Read-Pattillo excels in 5th-grade science, achieving a 78% proficiency rate—the highest in the zip code and well above the state average of 60%. For parents, Chisholm is the clear choice for consistent, top-tier academics, while Read-Pattillo offers strong science instruction and a stable environment. Samsula Academy, despite its advantages, shows significant inconsistency, making it a riskier option for families seeking reliable performance.
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